Candi’s life seemed to be improving; however relatively. Denny was fast becoming more and more valuable an asset to her life; but she didn’t like the idea of merely using him as a resource.

She knew that he had strong feelings for her, but that he was repressing them. Already, they had been through several adventures dealing with the strange things around the town of Viron. Christmas was fast approaching, and as Candi’s shift ended one evening, she and Denny both decided independently of one another to make the evening special.



Candi: “Ha ha! Strike!!! Your turn!”

Denny: “You know…I’m not sure going up against someone with super aim constitutes fair play!”



Candi: “Oh, come on! With all the crazy crap you’ve smuggled, you’ve gotta have hands that are a thing of beauty!”



The ball went in, hitting all but one pin. Denny gazed at Candi with a look of accomplishment on his face.



Candi: “Game?”

Denny: “Uh…I guess so!”

Candi: “You don’t have to be so flustered! Keep in mind, I do work here.”

Denny: “I know, Candi. It’s just…well…I don’t know how to put it!”



Candi: “Spit it out, Romeo! I'm not a complete idiot!”

Denny: “You…know?”

Candi: “I don’t need centuition to figure out that you’re hiding something other than criminal history!”

Denny: “ ‘Criminal’? That's such a strong word! More like…man with disfavorable past business connections…”



Candi: “It’s…the strangest feeling I have though. Ever since that night just a few months ago when you saved me…we’ve been saving each other ever since. I…don’t know what to think!”

Denny: “You’re full of contradictions, my darling! First, you condemn me for selling unauthorized technology to our common enemies. Now…you make an appeal…as though we were...star-crossed!”

Candi: “You know how I feel about…”



As Candi drew closer to Denny, she had to fight back the tears. Denny knew he had to act quickly to get her under control, lest she make too big a scene…

Denny: (whispering) “Hey…easy, easy! It’s okay…I know you didn’t mean to kill Don! And Donte did what he did for you out of love!”



Candi: “Denny…strange enough…you’re starting to sound...just like Donte! Is he...guiding you from above?”

Denny: “I…only wish that were true. I’m thankful to be in the fine company of one so faithful as you. My family hates God and hates anything of spiritual insinuation. I feel so out of place with them! Yet…we have this in common…we seem to be the only ones in the world that fully trust and understand one another.”



Candi: “That’s not healthy. But then…”

Denny: “Then…I know what you mean! Eventually, we’ll have to come out of our hiding places and make the Meethlites pay for all they’ve done. But for now…, oh that we could just not have to worry about them!”



As they stood there talking, a nervous Jeral Cormier sat by in the distance. He couldn't overhear the discussion, but he could ascertain that something was very wrong. He had his share of problems. What Denny and Candi didn't know is that they were far from being the only ones who would understand their present predicament!



A voice suddenly called out: "Candi! Jeral! Get in here!"

Denny: "What happened now?"

Candi: "Uh...can you hold on a second? I...think I might have left the Slicktor shoes to dry too much..."



Jeral: "Sir...if there's anything wrong with..."

Cladeus: "Relax, Jeral! I am fully aware of what those Phaelites did to you! I understand that you're leaving us soon to seek health treatments...I didn't send you back here to scold you!"



Cladeus: "And who might you be, Mr.?"

Denny: "Denny Levens, MD."

Cladeus: "Do you always park yourself in the employees-only areas?"

Candi: "He's with me...don't worry."

Cladeus: "Your...boyfriend?"



It ached for Candi to say it...that was Donte's rightful position! How could she so soon have forgotten the memory of Donte and attached herself to another?

Nevertheless...he did promise her that he would be very understanding no matter what happened. How could Candi cope with this violation of her basic values?

She had two romantic interests? Nevertheless...what if Donte were truly dead? She knew she was cornered; but she and Denny got along together so well...how could she not do justice to their special and intimate friendship? Had Denny been sent as a replacement for Donte?



Candi: "Ur...yes, sir! That was...just recently decided!"

Cladeus: "Well, as long as he doesn't make a habit of it, I won't have a problem."

Denny: "Candi?"

Candi: "I can't keep holding in my feelings all the time!"



Denny: "Candi...we've...only known each other for a few months...and I...I don't deserve you!"

Candi: "Maybe true, maybe true. However...we can't keep holding on to our dead loved ones...we'll go crazy! Besides, you've often spoken of wanting to go out with me! I have no idea how long this will last...but God willing...we will both at the very least grow from this experience."



Denny: "You have a heart so faithful; I didn't think you'd ever be able to move on! I want you to know: I will never be able to replace what you've lost...but I will protect you in my embrace...for whatever little that is worth!

Let's not rush to wed or anything though...we must not go too far until we know it is right! To do otherwise would be to set ourselves up for what we cannot afford!"



Candi: "You're very thoughtful! How did you know that I still hurt inside?"

Denny: "I don't need your instincts to know you're not telling me everything! We both have far too many secrets to expose before we can trust each other with forever!"

Candi: "How's about a date after this meeting? The restaurant section is open 24-7!"

Denny: "I would be much obliged!"



Cladeus: "Love with wisdom! Such a combination, I thought went extinct well over a century ago! Anyway, since the three of you are here with me...I figured I'd let each of you in on a secret."